A binman has shared guidance on managing excess household waste, confirming that whether extra rubbish left beside a full wheelie bin will be collected depends entirely on local council regulations.
Many households struggle with mounting piles of recycling as waste accumulates between fortnightly collection days. When a wheelie bin reaches capacity, it can be tempting to place additional waste beside it on collection day in the hope it will be taken away.
However, waste collectors sometimes leave behind any rubbish not contained within the bin itself. The refuse may be too bulky or contravene council regulations prohibiting collection of waste outside bins.
Rules vary by council
Ashley, who shares content online as the No. 1 Binman, confirmed it ultimately depends on your local authority's regulations. Councils are responsible for waste collection, enabling them to establish their own guidelines on how refuse is gathered and which bins are utilised.
Ashley stated: "It depends on your council, every council will say something different. Some will allow it, some won't."
The refuse collector noted that his employer's council prohibits collection of excess rubbish. He explained: "Because we have to then pick it up and put it in the bin, but if your bin is too full then we can't do that. Or if we do pick it up and it smashes, it is our fault and people complain."
Advice for residents
Ashley recommended that if your local authority doesn't permit additional waste collection, it's better to wait until the bin has been emptied before adding more rubbish.
"Some councils allow it, maybe paper," he continued. "But it is how you get it into the lorry, you can't just lean in and add it in."
The refuse collector advised: "Check your council, if they allow it then you can and follow the guidelines they tell you."
